Fulltext search in archive

Choristomas are small aggregates of normal tissue components in aberrant locations, and may be mistaken for true neoplasms. We report a case of an incidentally found mature cartilage island in the portal tract of a two-month old piglet. All other examined organs were normal. The pig belonged to the control group of animals in a short-term experiment, was fed with wheat and corn, and did not receive any external or internal treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a mature cartilaginous choristoma in pig liver.

The ribosomal protein SA (RPSA), also known as 37-kDa laminin receptor precursor/67-kDa laminin receptor (LRP/LR), has been identified as a multifunctional protein, playing an important role in multiple pathologies like cancer and prion diseases. Since RPSA is involved in the binding and internalization of the prion protein, mutations in the ovine RPSA gene, influencing the RPSA-PrP^C/PrP^Sc binding, can potentially play a part in the resistance to prion diseases. Our goal was to further characterize the complex RPSA gene family and to detect structural mutations which can play a role in this disease. In a prior study, 11 ovine pseudogenes were detected experimentally. As the whole genome shotgun ovine genome became accessible, an in silico genome-wide screening was performed and 37 new pseudogenes (36 processed and one semi-processed pseudogene) were detected, bringing the total to 48 ovine RPSA pseudogenes. Additionally, the complete bovine genome was screened in silico and 56 pseudogenes were identified. Once these sequences were known, it was possible to analyze the presence of mutations in the coding sequence and exon-flanking regions of the ovine functional full-length RPSA gene without the interference of pseudogenic sequences. Nineteen mutations were found: one in the 5' UTR, a silent one in the coding region, and seventeen in the exon-flanking regions, including an interesting mutation in the SNORA62 gene, localized in intron 4 of RPSA, leading to potential ribosomal defects. Structural mutations of the RPSA gene can be ruled out to play a role in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies but regulatory mutations still can have an effect on these diseases.

Phosphorus (P) is essential for crop production. Adequate application P rate is critical for enhancing productivity and profitability of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The goal of this study was to optimize P application rate for commercial snap bean production in south Florida. Six trials were conducted on sandy soils and muck soils in Hendry County and Palm Beach County, Florida, USA. Before planting cv. Caprice snap bean, plots were fertilized with different P application rates in the form of triple superphosphate (0-45-0). An increase in P₂O₅ application rates up to 134 kg/ha P₂O₅ significantly increased the marketable bean yields. However, beyond that point, significant field gains did not occur with further increased application. At 134 kg/ha P₂O₅, bean appearance quality was the best compared to the other treatments. These results indicate that 134 kg/ha P₂O₅ produced best bean appearance quality and was the optimum rate for commercial production of snap bean in high-pH soils in south Florida.

We studied effects of repeated applications of nitrogen on stem growth of mature Scots pine at four sites with yield potential around 3 - 4.5 m³ ha^‑1 yr^‑1. Treatments included control (0) and fertilization with ammonium nitrate at 100 and 200 kg N ha^‑1. Some plots were supplied with corresponding doses of urea. Applications were repeated up to five times, at five to twenty years intervals. Plot size was 22 x 22 m with buffer zones of 4 m. Measurements were made on an inner plot, 14 x 14 m. Tree ring widths usually reached a maximum two to four years after fertilization, returning to about the original level after seven to ten years. Responses were larger to 200 than to 100 kg N ha^‑1. Annual volume increment over the experimental period was 1.5 to 2.0 m³ ha^-1 larger in plots provided with 200 kg N ha^-1 than in control plots, or even more as the buffer zones of 4 m did not completely exclude tree roots from growing into neighbouring plots.

Low application of fertilizer potassium (K) in intensive agriculture leads to a gradual decrease and, afterwards, to a steady state of soil K determined by tests which are based on soil exchangeable K (K_exch) extraction. In this situation, non-exchangeable K (K_non-exch) is being released and therefore real plant availability does not necessarily correspond to soil test K. This incoherency was investigated in 14 agricultural soils with low K as determined by the Mehlich 3 method. Plant-available K released by exhaustive cropping of perennial ryegrass and K determined by the Neubauer seedling test were compared with 8 soil K extraction methods, with the total K content and with the relative content of soil K-bearing minerals. K determined by the ryegrass test (314 mg/kg on average) was more than 3-times higher than K based on K_exch extraction methods, but was from 2 to 3 times lower than K determined by K_non-exch extracting methods. The relative content of mixed-layer phyllosilicates was significantly related to K extracted by soil tests. The relative content of orthoclase correlated only with total K and mica-group minerals with none of the extractions. The best prediction of plant-available K in investigated soils was obtained with sodium tetraphenylboron and StepK methods.

An intact male, six-month-old Hanwoo bull calf (native Korean beef breed) was presented to the Animal Medical Centre, Chonbuk National University because the owner had noticed a conjunctival and corneal abnormality in the left eye (OS). On ophthalmic examination, a small, elevated and skin-like mass lesion, containing hair was found on the ventronasal cornea and the conjunctiva of the third eyelid. In the light of its characteristic appearance, the lesion was classified clinically as a corneal dermoid. Under general anaesthesia, superficial lamellar keratectomy and conjunctivectomy was performed to remove the abnormal tissue. As the owner could not apply topical medications regularly, a drug-filled osmotic pump (Alzet; Alza, Palo Alto, CA) was implanted subconjunctivally under the upper eyelid and connected to a catheter at the lateral limbus. The catheter was fixed to the conjunctiva with 3-0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl^®; Ethicon, Johnson and Johnson, Somerville, USA) and a partial temporary tarsorrhaphy was placed. In order to determine the efficacy of medication delivery, a sample of aqueous humour was collected via aqueocentesis from the anterior chamber at two weeks and four weeks after implantation of the pump. The presence and concentration of ciprofloxacin was determined via mass spectroscopy. Aqueous concentration of ciprofloxacin was 0.093 µg/ml at two weeks and 0.107 µg/ml at four weeks. The calf healed without incident and returned to normal function six weeks following the procedure.

Chlorine, one of the most abundant elements in nature, undergoes a complex biogeochemical cycle in the environment, involved in the formation of volatile organochlorines (VOCls), which in turn can contribute to environmental problems, contaminate natural ecosystems, and are of public health concern. Several industrial and natural sources of VOCls have already been identified; however, data - particularly on the natural sources - are still scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of emission of VOCls from soil and several undergrowth plants collected in temperate spruce forest ecosystem and the effect of salting on the VOCl emission of plants. Undergrowth plants were found to emit chloroform (CHCl₃) in the range of 2.2-201 pmol/day/g dry weight (DW), tetrachloromethane (CCl₄) 0-23.5 pmol/day/g DW, and tetrachloroethene (C₂Cl₄) 0-13.5 pmol/day/g DW; the average emission rates were about 10 times higher than that of soil (2.9-47.2; 0-5.8; 0-3.6 pmol/day/g DW of CHCl₃; CCl₄; C₂Cl₄ emission, respectively). Addition of sodium chloride solution in most cases caused an increase in the emission of CHCl₃ and caused a species specific - effect on the emissions of CCl₄ and C₂Cl₄. The results suggest that the emission of VOCls from spruce forest contribute to the atmospheric input of reactive chlorine; however, on a global scale it is only a minor net source.

The chemical composition (nutritional and freshness parameters) and sensory characteristics were evaluated of escolar (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum) defrosted raw fillets and steaks that were marinated differently (pepper, onion, chilly, herbs, knusper, and hot) and packaged in a manner suitable for microwave heating (Darfresh^® Simple Steps^®). The study was carried out by using 8 skinless fillets of Lepidocybium flavobrunneum. The selected 18 parameters, i.e. dry matter/moisture, crude protein, net protein, collagen, net muscle protein, lipid, ash, saccharide, energy value, pH, water activity, salt content, total volatile basic nitrogen, trimethylamine, free fatty acids, peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid assay were evaluated. The results indicate that the sample of Chilly marinated steaks was evaluated as the best one (90.29 ± 9.82), however, the samples of Herbs (89.6 ± 13.89) and Knusper (88.64 ± 15.59) marinated steaks also received more than 85 points for the overall impression. Control sample received the smallest number of points (71.7 ± 26.54) for the overall impression.

Planting grasses that require low maintenance is a good option for reducing the management input required. The objective of this study was to obtain information about turfgrass characteristics based on spaced-plant characterization and turf performance in turf plots of two selections (Paula hard fescue and Casero colonial bentgrass) recently released for public distribution by the Plant Production Area of the University of Oviedo. The plants were grown under conditions of no irrigation, no fertilizer, no pesticide application and minimal mowing over a 3-year period (2012-2014). The following morphological measurements were done in a spaced-plant nursery: heading date, plant height, inflorescence length and flag leaf length and width. The turf plots were evaluated for several traits including overall turfgrass quality (turf score), leaf texture and genetic colour. In both the spaced-plant nursery and turf trials, hard fescue genotypes displayed better morphological characteristics (narrow leaves, reduced plant height) and performed better (overall high turfgrass quality, fine leaf texture, dark green colour) than bentgrass genotypes under conditions of low maintenance. For areas in which climate, soil characteristics and management conditions are similar to those encountered in this trial, the selection of Paula hard fescue is recommended for use in low-maintenance turf settings because of the good turfgrass performance and morphological characteristics of this selection.

The influence of various agrotechnical measures on macrostructural changes in topsoil and subsoil was studied in the course of a four-year experiment. Macrostructure was evaluated according to the ability of soil aggregate to resist degradation. Three variants of soil tillage were established: ploughing to a depth of 0.22 m, reduced tillage (subsoiling to 0.35-0.40 m, and shallow disking of soil to a depth of 0.15 m). For observation, three locations were chosen in various production areas of the Czech Republic with differing soil and climatic conditions. In these locations crops were grown under the same crop rotation: rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare). After four years of different tillage, a change in the water stability of soil aggregates (WSA) was evident. It was found out that reduced tillage of soil positively influenced both the WSA and the yield of the crops grown. A relationship of positive dependence between WSA, the content of humus substances, and cation exchange capacity of soil was also found. According to the obtained results, for agricultural practice a classification scale of structural quality was proposed on the basis of statistics of one variable (average, its mean error and distribution normality).

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral head is a common cause of forelimb lameness in dogs. OCD represents the late phase of osteochondrosis (OC). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful technique for detection and characterisation of this disease. The main objective of this study was to show MRI findings of OCD in the humeral head, OC like-lesions in glenoid fossa and proximal humeral metaphyses of a dog. MRI analysis revealed the extent and severity of the inflammatory changes within the subchondral bones in both the glenoid cavity and humeral head. OCD and OC like-lesions were also evaluated in histopathological studies.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sulphur (S) fertilization on macronutrient concentrations in the roots, straw and oil cake of white mustard and Indian mustard. The experiment was conducted in northeastern Poland (2006-2008). The highest content of N, P, K, Mg and S was noted in the oil cake of both mustard species. Sulphur fertilization increased S concentrations and had no effect on Mg concentrations in the roots of white mustard and Indian mustard. Sulphur fertilizers applied to soil significantly increased the content of N, K and Ca in the roots of Indian mustard, whereas they had no significant effect on the content of N, P and Ca, and decreased K concentrations in the roots of white mustard. Sulphur fertilization led to a significant decrease in N content, and an increase in the content of K and Ca in the straw of both mustard species. Sulphur fertilization significantly decreased P concentrations and increased S concentrations in the oil cake of both mustard species. In response to S fertilization, the content of N and K decreased in the oil cake of Indian mustard, but did not change significantly in the oil cake of white mustard. Therefore, S fertilization significantly differentiated the fertilizing value of post-harvest residues and the feeding value of white mustard and Indian mustard seeds.

A rare case of a liver biliary duct cystoadenoma in a dog is reported. Tissue changes are described with an emphasis on immunohistochemical patterns that aid in the identification of the tumour and differentiation from similar macroscopical features that arise due to congenital abnormalities. Finally, we provide hints on comparative pathology.

The effect of erosion and erosion control measures on changes in the amount of organic matter in soil was studied. We investigated the influence of organic matter inputs into the soil on surface runoff, soil erosion and soil erodibility (K-factor), including the monitoring of carbon dynamics, as a result of torrential rains. The research was conducted on experimental plots in Třebsín site. Erosion leads to soil carbon loss and subsequently to increasing concentrations of carbon in sediments (enrichment ratio). We can conclude from the results that the input of organic matter into the soil (especially farmyard manure) significantly contributes to a decrease in surface runoff and soil loss and also to a reduction of carbon leaching into sediments; so it contributes to carbon sequestration into the soil.

A horse suffering from an undetected hoof bone fracture was diagnosed three weeks after injury. The formation of callus tissue was detected at the fracture site. Standard orthopaedic screw application was augmented by a novel method, a combination of stem cells and plasma components. For experimental therapy, fat tissue and blood samples were collected from the patient to isolate stem cells and plasma proteins. The obtained and characterised mesenchymal stem cell population was applied to the wound area, together with an implant prepared from plasma, wrapped over the orthopaedic screw. Additionally, cells with implant were differentiated in vitro into bone tissue, to evaluate if cells could successfully produce extracellular matrix in such material. Three weeks after application, the hoof was significantly regenerated, and after three months - the bone was completely rebuilt. The in vitro experiment also gave positive results, with completely differentiated cells after three weeks. Our data show that enriching the standard orthopaedic material with mesenchymal stem cells adds therapeutic value to the treatment of refractory bone fractures.

Field experiments with reed canary grass were conducted during 1996-2000 at four different sites (Ruzyně, Troubsko, Lukavec and Chomutov in the Czech Republic). In the period 2001-2009 the experiments were run at Ruzyně and Lukavec. During vegetation the following indicators were monitored: the course of weather in individual years at given sites and infestation of stands by pests and diseases. Furthermore, we monitored the effects of N application rates, year, site, as well as the effect of harvest time on yields of harvested biomass, moisture content, elements content, and energy content. The content of heavy metals in soils and subsequently in plants was also monitored. The zoning methodology was created for reed canary grass. The highest average dry matter yield of reed canary grass harvested in late autumn was achieved for comparable periods during 1996-2000 at Ruzyně (8.33 t/ha), and the lowest at Chomutov (6.80 t/ha). The greatest effect of N fertilization on yields was recorded at Ruzyně, where the N2 rate (80 kg/ha) increased the yield on average by 28.6% in comparison with the non-fertilized variants. Average loss of biomass over winter was 23.0%.

Soil water and heat transport plays an important role in various hydrologic, agricultural, and industrial applications. Accordingly, an increasing attention is paid to relevant simulation models. In the present study, soil thermal conditions at a mountain meadow during the vegetation season were simulated. A dual-continuum model of coupled water and heat transport was employed to account for preferential flow effects. Data collected at an experimental site in the Šumava Mountains, southern Bohemia, during the vegetation season 2009 were employed. Soil hydraulic properties (retention curve and hydraulic conductivity) determined by independent soil tests were used. Unavailable hydraulic parameters were adjusted to obtain satisfactory hydraulic model performance. Soil thermal properties were estimated based on values found in literature without further optimization. Three different approaches were used to approximate the soil thermal conductivity function, λ(θ): (i) relationships provided by Chung and Horton (ii) linear estimates as described by Loukili, Woodbury and Snelgrove, (iii) methodology proposed by Côté and Konrad. The simulated thermal conditions were compared to those observed. The impact of different soil thermal conductivity approximations on the heat transport simulation results was analysed. The differences between the simulation results in terms of the soil temperature were small. Regarding the surface soil heat flux, these differences became substantial. More realistic simulations were obtained using λ(θ) estimates based on the soil texture and composition. The differences between these two, related to neglecting vs. considering λ(θ) non-linearity, were found negligible.

Different variants of regeneration felling or different light conditions (total site factor 15-95%) and weed control were evaluated in relation to the 4-year development of individuals of regenerated sessile oak. The regeneration density is not dependent on light conditions. The highest mortality occurs on the open area of clear felling. For a certain time in youth, it is possible to consider oak as a shade-tolerating species. With the increasing light intensity the diameter and height growth of oak seedlings increases proportionally, being the highest at 100% light intensity. However, to support at least medium-fast growth, the species requires minimally 50% light intensity (smaller closed clear-felled areas). On the other hand, more extensive unprotected cleared areas appear to be quite unsuitable at the initial stages of regeneration. The positive effect of weed control on the success and growth of natural regeneration is questionable. We recommend developing the regenerated stand by means of a series of small-area (about ≤ 0.3 ha) two-stage felling with a medium-long regeneration period (15-20 years).

One peculiar feature of the inland valleys abundant in West Africa is their site-specific hydrology, underlain mainly by the prevailing landforms and topography. Development and management of these land resources under the increasingly popular sawah (a system of bunded, puddled and levelled rice field with facilities for irrigation and drainage) technology is a promising opportunity for enhancing rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in the region. Information on the variations in selected soil physical properties as influenced by the prevailing landforms may serve as a useful guide in site selection. This is of practical importance since majority of the inland valleys are potentially unsuitable for sawah development and most farmers in the region are of low technical level. Three landforms (river levee, elevated area and depressed area) were identified within a sawah field located in an inland valley at Ahafo Ano South District of Ghana. Each of these landforms was topsoil-sampled along on identified gradient (top, mid and bottom slope positions). Parameters determined included particle size distribution, bulk density, total porosity and field moisture content. The soil is predominantly clayey. There were no variations in the particle size distribution among the slope positions in the river levee. Overall, the river levee had lower silt content than the elevated and the depressed landforms. The bulk density, total porosity, and gravimetric moisture content indicated relative improvements only in the depressed area in the order, bottom > mid > top slope. Irrespective of slope position, the three landforms differed in these parameters in the order, depressed > river levee > elevated. The sand fraction impacted negatively on the silt fraction and bulk density of the soil, both of which controlled the soil moisture status. Despite the fairly low silt content of the soil, the silt fraction strongly influenced the gravimetric moisture content (R² = 0.80). So too did the soil bulk density on the gravimetric moisture content (R² = 0.90). It is concluded that: (1) since the landforms more prominently influenced the measured parameters than the slope positions, the former should take pre-eminence over the latter in soil suitability judgment; (2) with respect to moisture retention, variations in silt fraction and bulk density of this and other clayey inland-valley soils should be used as guide in site selection for sawah development.

In the years 2005 and 2006 the effect of site conditions, yellow and purple fleshed varieties and mineral fertilization on the content of total polyphenols (TP) in potato tubers was investigated. In both years significantly the highest TP content (by 5.7 to 56.3% higher than in other localities) was determined at the Stachy locality; we ascribe it to apparently lower temperatures in the vegetation period at this locality of higher altitude. In the purple flesh Valfi variety TP content higher by 74 to 141% was recorded in average of both years, in comparison to yellow flesh varieties. In the group of eight yellow flesh varieties the highest TP content was recorded in the Ditta variety; it was higher by 38, 29 and 24% in comparison with Saturna, Agria and Asterix varieties. TP content was not significantly affected by fertilization with mineral fertilizers.

In the frame of 'Baltic fruit rootstock studies' apple rootstocks B.9, B.146, B.396, B.491, P 2, P 22, P 60, M.9, M.26, Jork 9, Bulboga and Pure 1 were tested in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. More vigorous tree growth was recorded following North-South direction being the weakest in Estonia and the strongest in Lithuania. Apple rootstocks can be grouped, according to the induced tree vigour, in the following way: less vigorous than M.9: P 22, the same as M.9: Pure 1, B.396, Jork 9, P 60, B.9 and P 2, between M.9 and M.26: B.491, more vigorous than M.26: Bulboga and B.146. Rootstock effect on cumulative yield and cumulative yield efficiency index was determined by location. The highest productivity, considering cumulative yield and efficiency index, was obtained on M.9 rootstock in Lithuania, on Bulboga, B.146, M.26 and B.491 rootstocks in Estonia and on Pure 1, P 60 and B.9 rootstocks in Latvia. Rootstock effect on fruit weight was not clear and differed among locations. Interactions between rootstock and location indicate at the importance of multi-site rootstock evaluation.

The seed production area (SPA) is an improved plantation managed for production of quality seeds for a large-scale plantation programme. The soil nutrient is one of several factors affecting seed production among SPAs. The status of soil nutrients and their effect on seed production are poorly understood. Hence, the present study was undertaken in 20 seed production areas located in different seed zones of Karnataka, South India. Results showed that there was a greater variation among SPAs in various soil properties like soil pH, organic carbon, available NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Some of the studied parameters recorded significant variations among three different depths: 0-20 (top), 20-40 (middle) and 40-60 cm (bottom). For instance, organic carbon and available potassium showed significant variations at different depths, where the highest content was recorded in the top layer, followed by middle and bottom layers. Considering associations between soil properties and tree growth, organic carbon was positively associated with dbh (diameter at breast height; r = 0.500), stem roundness (r = 0.351) and stem volume (r = 0.250). Similarly, available nitrogen positively influenced the stem volume (r = 0.250). Though the fruit yield varied among SPAs, none of the studied soil parameters showed a significant influence on fruit yield indicating that some other factors like genetic ones, phenology, rainfall overlapping with peak flowering might control it. Data on site quality showed that all existing SPAs studied were growing in poor site conditions, however, this could be one of the factors affecting overall seed yield among SPAs. Hence, it is recommended to undertake a few important silvicultural interventions like application of fertilizer/organic manure, soil working, spraying of floral hormone and others to improve the existing seed production level.

The condition and snow damage to stands dominated by birch were studied in the area of interest in Northern Moravia. Based on basal area, the share of birch ranged from 68 to 88%. The stands came to existence on fertile sites through natural regeneration and exhibited growth at a level of the best site classes for the Czech Republic. The most severe snow damage to the stands was recorded at the upper stand height of 8-15 m. The extent of damage in the analyzed stands amounted to 67-95% of all trees. The unambiguously predominant type of damage was bending while breakages were recorded only in up to 4% of trees. Slenderness ratios of intact trees differed according to the age (height) of stands. The highest values of about 180 were observed in the youngest, ca 5-years-old and about 5 m high stand. Slenderness ratio values of intact trees in a 17-m high stand ranged about 100. The analyzed stands did not show any differences in the slenderness ratio values between intact and damaged trees. Lower values of the ratio for solitary trees (ca 130) in a 5-years-old stand were accompanied by markedly longer crowns (80% of stem) as compared with trees growing in the stand (60% of stem). Differences in the root system architecture were revealed between intact and damaged trees within a stand of about 9 m in height.

In an Island of the Netherlands, Pine (Pinus nigra) was planted to stabilize the dunes and to protect the arable lands from the blowing sand. This research was conducted to understand the most important environmental factors responsible for a vegetation change in the Pine plantation and effect of this change on the rare orchid population: Goodyera repens and Listera cordata. Vegetation sampling was carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet phytosociologic method within the three sites of this Island. Twinspan analysis confirmed the definition of three site types and redundancy analysis showed a significant difference between the pure Pine stands and the plots with regeneration. The results revealed that the most significant explanatory variables were litter cover, broadleaved tree cover, and shrub cover indicating the vegetation change under the Pine plantation. The abundance of Goodyera repens is strongly associated with the Pine forest and negatively related to broadleaved cover. Listera cordata could apparently cope with vegetation change. Controlling the herbaceous layer in the Pine plantation can promote the orchid population but on the contrary, promoting the natural regeneration of broadleaved species might endanger them.

The estimation of forest biomass is important for practical issues and scientific purposes in forestry. The estimation of forest biomass on a large-scale level would be merely possible with the application of generalized single-tree biomass models. The aboveground biomass data on Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) from nine provinces in southern China were used to develop generalized single-tree biomass models using both linear mixed model and dummy variable model methods. An allometric function requiring only diameter at breast height was used as a base model for this purpose. The results showed that the aboveground biomass estimates of individual trees with identical diameters were different among the forest origins (natural and planted) and geographic regions (provinces). The linear mixed model with random effect parameters and dummy model with site-specific (local) parameters showed better fit and prediction performance than the population average model. The linear mixed model appears more flexible than the dummy variable model for the construction of generalized single-tree biomass models or compatible biomass models at different scales. The linear mixed model method can also be applied to develop other types of generalized single-tree models such as basal area growth and volume models.

The experiment was carried out to observe the influence of the CULTAN method (controlled uptake long term ammonium nutrition) on grain yield and yield formation of spring barley cultivar Jersey. In four-year small-plot experiment under conditions of the Czech Republic, two methods of nitrogen fertilization were used: conventional surface fertilization and local fertilizer injection rich in ammonium into soil during vegetation at BBCH 29-30 stages. Furthermore, the impact of sulphur amendment in fertilizer and increased dose of fertilizer were observed. Basic dose of nitrogen was 80 kg N/ha, increased dose 130 kg N/ha. At CULTAN treatment, same or significantly higher grain yields were obtained compared to conventional nitrogen fertilization. Grain yield at CULTAN fertilization is formed mainly on the main stem because of reduced tillering; it has the impact on significantly higher percentage of grain retained on 2.5 mm sieve. A tendency to lower protein content in grain was recorded at local injection of fertilizer compared to conventional fertilization. CULTAN-treated plants showed a lesser dependency of qualitative parameters on fertilizer dose and sulphur amendment in fertilizer. A positive influence of the CULTAN method on yield and quality of grain was observed mainly at the less fertile site.

Bacterial communities are key drivers of soil fertility and agriculture productivity. Understanding how soil bacterial communities change in response to different conditions is an important aspect in the development of sustainable agriculture. There is a desire to reduce the current reliance on high inputs of chemicals and fertilisers in agriculture, but limited data are available on how this might impact soil bacterial communities. This study investigated the bacterial communities in a spring barley monoculture site subjected to two different input regimes for over 12 years: a conventional chemical/fertiliser regime, and a reduced input regime. A culture independent approach was performed to compare the bacterial communities through 16S rRNA gene PCR-DGGE. PCO analysis revealed that the rhizosphere has a strong structuring effect on the bacterial community. Moreover, high inputs of agrichemicals lead to an increase of phosphorus level in the soil and a concomitant reduction of the bacterial diversity. These results may help to evaluate the environmental risks associated with agrichemical usage.

The annual risk assessment of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands in the federal state of Brandenburg and subsequent decisions on the application of insecticides are based on operational surveillance data on L. monacha. The objective of the study was to rationalize the operational pheromone capture method. Data from operational monitoring with pheromone-baited traps in Brandenburg were analyzed. The records included data from a total of 11,761 traps and covered the development of populations of this insect from normal to outbreak densities and back during the years 2000-2009. Statistical analysis of the data suggested that a capture period of 15 June to 10 August, which is shorter than the period used hitherto, is sufficient to determine whether more precise monitoring by a census of adult females is required at a given site in the following year owing to increasing population densities. If this suggested shorter capture period had been implemented in 2000-2009, approximately 33% fewer trap inspections would have been required.

In long-term stationary experiments under different soil-climatic conditions, an influence of mineral and organic fertilization on yield of winter wheat, spring barley and potato tubers was evaluated. Statistically significantly lowest grain yields of winter wheat (4.00 t/ha) and spring barley (2.81 t/ha) were obtained in non-fertilized plots at all experimental sites. In the case of potatoes, the lowest yield of dry matter (5.71 t/ha) was recorded in the control plot, but the result was not statistically significant. The manure-fertilized plot gave the average yield of wheat higher by 30%, of barley by 22%. Application of sewage sludge resulted in wheat yield higher by 41% and barley yield higher by 26% over control. On average, application of sewage sludge and manure increased the yield of potatoes by 30% over control. The highest yield was obtained after application of mineral fertilizers; average yield increased by 59, 50 and 36% in winter wheat, spring barley and potatoes, respectively. No statistically significant differences among the plots with mineral fertilizers were observed. At different sites, the yield of studied crops varied; however, the effect of fertilization on yield increments was similar at all experimental sites except for Lukavec. It is the site with the lowest natural soil fertility, and it showed the highest effect of the applied fertilizers.

The study should reveal the effects of soil texture and of seed characteristics of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) on seed survival in the soil by a burial experiment. Seeds of 58 conventional and new trait accessions (genetically modified and/or with altered seed ingredients) were buried for six months in sandy loam (SL), clay (c) or silty clay loam (SICL) in the seasons 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 in Germany. Between 84-93% (2008/2009) and 64-87% (2009/2010) of the conventional seeds survived in the soil, and so did 41-67% and 8-44% of the new trait seeds. Significantly more seeds were found in C and SICL compared to SL. Seed survival also significantly depended on the genotype, with high and low seed survival in both conventional and new trait accessions. Seed survival rates are probably linked with moisture and oxygen provided by different soils. As soils with good water storage conditions seem to have a higher probability for oilseed rape seeds from harvest losses to survive, other measures such as growing low dormancy varieties and proper soil tillage are especially relevant to avoid volunteers on these soils.